Don't know where to go to Greece for the first time? We have selected for you the 4 most popular and favorite destinations among travelers from all over the world, talked about their features and shared tips on how to spend time, where to stay and what to see. Read and make your choice!

For the first time in Greece - where to go?

In Greece you can get acquainted with ancient culture and mythology, enjoy breathtaking beauty Aegean Sea, bask under the Greek sun on the white sandy beaches of Greece, walk in the mountains with the cleanest air, admire the white buildings and taste delicious Greek cuisine.

Where to go and what to see

• Church of Panagia Paraportiani;
• "Little Venice"
• an area with 18th-century buildings, where the mansions of great captains with colorful balconies and stylish windows are everywhere;
• strange windmills perched imposingly on the slope;
• snow-white sandy beaches, stretching along the perimeter of the island.

Where to stay

Mykonos tourist island, and therefore you will not have problems finding housing. – from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and hostels, you can also search for hotels using the form on the left. For the truly budget conscious, there is Couchsurfing.

Things to do

• In Mykonos summer time Many holidays and festivals are held, all this is accompanied by rivers of delicious wine and mountains of delicious food.
• Also, this “Wind Island” is a paradise for lovers water sports, surfers and sailors flock here from all over the world. Mykonos has a large selection of windsurfing beaches. The best beaches are considered to be the most isolated ones: Kórfos, Fteliá, Meyáli Ámmos and Kalafátis. Almost all beaches teach surfing.
• In Mykonos you can play tennis or mini golf at Ayios Stéfanos. Beach volleyball in Ayia Ánna, skydive or jet ski in Eliá or Kalafátis. Even diving enthusiasts will not be left out and will be able to explore the beauty of the underwater life of the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos is a standard choice for both partying and partying. interesting excursions, and enjoy your beach holiday to the fullest. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Greece for the first time, and your budget allows, visit Mykonos, you will not be disappointed.

First time to Greece: Paros

Paros is one of the most popular places for recreation among young people. Unlike Mykonos, this island is more budget option. Unrivaled natural beauty, developed tourist infrastructure, beaches with clear waters, Byzantine footpaths linking traditional Greek villages, breathtaking scenery and pulsating night life– all this awaits you on the island of Paros.

Parikia is the island's capital and is home to its famous whitewashed rectangular buildings and impressive neoclassical mansions.

Where to go and what to see

• Naousa village, there are ruins here Venetian fortress stand at the entrance to its small port;
• Lefkes is also a village, it is built into a mountain and is surrounded on all sides by greenery, located in the very high point the islands of Paros, from here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the island;
• Márpissa is a traditional village with a strong medieval character, dating back to the 15th century;
• marble quarries in Maráthi, where the famous Parian marble was mined.

Where to stay

It all depends on how much you plan to spend. There are options for every taste and budget.

Things to do

• Visiting a religious festival is a great opportunity to taste sweet wines produced in the Monemvassiá and Mantilariá vineyards. On August 15, one of these events is traditionally organized near the Panayia Ekatontapyliani church.
• Explore the island on horseback. There are two horse rentals here, one near the sea in Ambelás and the other in Ystérni. This walk around the island is a great way to see with your own eyes the most Beautiful places Paros.
• The sun-drenched beaches of Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria, Poúnda and the crystal clear waters of the sea will captivate all lovers beach holiday. You can also go surfing here.
• Kalóyeros Beach, surrounded by red and green clay rocks, will provide you with an effective and natural spa completely free of charge. Cover your body with clay and let it dry in the sun, after a while wash the clay into the sea - your skin will be soft and velvety.

Price statistics for tours to Greece

If you are not yet ready to travel on your own, then price statistics for tours to Greece will help you. Here you can find the most low prices on holiday to Greece from leading tour operators.

First time to Greece: Skiathos

Skiathos is the most popular resort island in the Northern Sporades. Despite the rapid growth of the tourism sector, it is still picturesque and unspoilt. The island is decorated with more than 60 beaches with absolutely clear waters, the most famous of which is Koukounariés beach, which is rightfully considered the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. Add to all this the vibrant nightlife and you can see why thousands of travelers flock to this island every year.

Where to go and what to see

• the capital of the island is the town of Skiathos with its stone-paved, cozy streets and white buildings;
• a picturesque harbor surrounded by 4 islands;
• the small island of Boúrtzi, where the ruins of a Venetian fortress nestle among dense vegetation;
• the house and now museum of the famous author Alexandros Papadiamantis;
• Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, which houses 4 museums.

Where to stay

There are many hotels, hostels and rooms in Skiathos affordable prices. You can also stay at Camping Koukounariés.

Things to do

• Every summer the island hosts colorful cultural events, concerts and art exhibitions.
• Walk along a breathtaking route starting from Asélinos, past the Kounistra monastery, the small beach of Asélinos and Alygariés beach, ending at Kehriá beach.
• All the island's nightlife is concentrated on the street near the Old Harbor. Bars and nightclubs are open here all night until the morning and are always full of young people having fun. The Ammoudiá area often hosts outdoor parties (easy to find, just follow the road leading to the airport).

First time to Greece: Chios

The island of Ios is almost in no way inferior to the famous and sometimes overrated Mykonos and Santorini. Walk through picture-perfect streets, admire the elegance of the buildings, swim in warm clear waters worldwide famous beaches Mylopótamos and Maganári, taste the indecently delicious Greek delicacies.

Where to go and what to see

• Be sure to visit Hóra, located on the famous hill with its snow-white cubic buildings and covered alleys.
• See 12 windmills.
• Panayia Gremiótissa (Madonna of the Cliffs) is located at the highest point of Hòra, with amazing views of the bay and the neighboring island of Sikinos.
• Byzantine castle Paleókastro, built at the very top of the hill.
• Summer theater "Odysseas Elytis", built in one of the favorite places of the poet Odysseas Elytis and well preserved from 2800 BC.

Where to stay

There are many wonderful hotels and hostels, and there are cozy family pensions near the beaches. There are also several camping areas on the island. Keep in mind that Chios does not have the luxury of Mykonos and Santorini, but it does have many wonderful places to walk.

Things to do

• I think you already understand that August 15th is a special day for the Greeks, Ios is proof of this. On this day, one of the most impressive celebrations of the Panagia Gremiotissa takes place here, when a procession carries the famous icon of the Virgin Mary around the Hora, all accompanied by a banquet, playing traditional instruments and dancing.
• Walk along the ancient paths of Ayia Theodóti-Hóra, Ayia Iríni-Valmá beach, Hóra-Pýrgos-Psáthi, Hóra-Áyios Spyridonas-Perivolia-Áyios Prókopas-Pelekaniá, which are still used by local shepherds, and you will see the most beautiful locations of the island.
• The mountains of Ios are ideal for climbing, mountaineering or cycling. On the peaks you will have an unforgettable view of the island and the endless expanse of the Aegean Sea.
• On the beaches of Mylopótamos and Manganári you can rent equipment for water sports, including surfing, water skiing, and diving. Here you can learn how to surf and canoe.
• There are plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants on this island. Every day, crowds of young people enjoy colorful cocktails, dancing until dawn and night swimming.

That’s all, if you are going to Greece for the first time and don’t yet know where to go, listen to our advice. IN

You finally made up your mind and bought a tour abroad for the first time in your life. Naturally, you are concerned about many questions - how it will all happen, who is responsible for what, where you can go, what should be done and in what order from the moment you pay the money until you return home.

Purchasing a tour

With the help of travel agency employees, you have chosen the most best tour. Travel agency employees confirm your request and book the tour (this can take a few minutes, in the case of “instant confirmation,” or several hours). If your tour is successfully booked, you give the money and receive an agreement with the travel agency. If you fly to a country with visa-free entry, you will also have your international passport in your hands. If you have chosen a country with necessary registration visas, get ready to give the travel agency employees your passports and all the documents necessary to obtain a visa: certificates, photographs, money to pay for the visa. If you are visiting a country with a visa, also keep in mind that you may not be given a visa, but you have already booked the tour - therefore, it is advisable to also pay for “cancellation insurance” so that your money will be returned to you if the visa is not issued.

The contract with the travel agency specifies the country, hotel, meals, number of people, length of stay and other necessary information about your trip.

At the time of issuing the contract, travel agency employees inform you which flight, from which airport and what time you are departing. Travel documents: air tickets, insurance policies, check-in vouchers(and passports with visas, if you gave them) will be waiting for you at the airport on the day of departure. Some travel agencies offer you to pick up these documents from their office in advance (a day or two before departure).

Naturally, the prospect of receiving documents 2 hours before departure is very exciting - what if something goes wrong, there will be no documents, the employee will not come, etc. and so on. Don't worry! This procedure has been practiced hundreds of thousands of times, so overlaps are very unlikely. You need to show up at the departure airport 2.5 hours before the flight and find the counter of your tour operator - the travel agency will tell you where exactly big building There will be a representative of your tour operator at the airport.

Departure

On the specified day, you arrive at the airport 2.5 -3 hours before departure. Now your task is find a representative of your tour operator. Even if the representative is late (it happens), there is nothing to worry about. So, you waited and received an envelope with your documents. Check the envelope carefully: it should contain air tickets (there is usually one round trip ticket, seats are not indicated on the air ticket, you receive them upon registration), a medical insurance policy, a check-in voucher (check your hotel, meals, length of stay and everything else) . If you gave away your passports, you will also receive them - check for visas. Visas are placed on any empty page of the passport, so your visa may be in the middle of the passport.

You have received the documents. Now, before boarding the plane, you will have to undergo 3 mandatory procedures:

customs control

Check-in and baggage drop-off

Passport control

Don’t forget that other passengers on your plane are going through them with you, so even if you know absolutely nothing, you can simply sit on the tail of your familiar fellow travelers and perform all the necessary actions.

Briefly about all procedures

customs control

Customs control is called upon to find out whether you are exporting prohibited items. If you have weapons, a very large amount of money, drugs, antiques, etc., you are required to declare them in the customs declaration. There are two zones at customs control called the Red Corridor and the Green Corridor. The Red Corridor is for passengers who have something to declare, the Green Corridor is for those who do not have anything declared on them. 99% of tourists have nothing to declare. Therefore, we calmly pass through the Green Corridor. Customs officers may selectively ask you to present your luggage for inspection, but this is an extremely rare practice.

Check-in and baggage drop-off

Checking in for a flight is a procedure during which your air tickets will be exchanged for boarding passes, which are your pass to board the plane. When you check-in, you will find out your seat on the plane. If you are traveling with a family or a group, present all passports and air tickets at once, and not one at a time.

At check-in, you check your luggage, leaving your carry-on luggage with you. If you have few items, you can leave them with you as hand luggage. Your luggage will be loaded into the cargo hold of the aircraft, and you will receive it back at the airport of arrival. It is advisable to pack your luggage in the strongest possible bag/suitcase. It is better not to put breakable things there without making sure that they will not break if dropped from a small height - unloading and loading luggage is not a very delicate matter. Many airports provide a luggage wrapping service - for an additional fee, your luggage will be covered with several layers of film - so it will become more compact, durable, will not have protruding handles, ropes, etc., and it will also be impossible for abstract intruders to penetrate it.

The boarding pass contains important information- OUTPUT/GATE number. You need to know it in order to get to the right exit by the time you board. This information will be repeated several times over the public address system at the airport.

Passport control

The last thing you need to do to leave your homeland is to go through passport control. Passengers approach the counters one by one passport control by presenting your passport and other documents (for example, boarding pass) at the request of the border guard. At passport control you are given a mark indicating that you have passed the state border.

At different airports these procedures are carried out in different order. In any case, the first thing you do is look for your flight on the flight schedule board (its number was told to you by the travel agency and it is indicated on your air ticket). If you arrive at the airport too early, your flight may not yet be shown on the board. On the board in the line where your flight is indicated, next to it there are check-in counters where check-in for the flight and baggage drop-off will take place.

Having received the numbers, you head to your counters. In this case, you can go through the customs control zone. Or you will go through it after registration. When passing through the customs control zone. Chances are you arrived early - registration hasn't started yet and the counters are empty. But tourists like you are already gathering near the counters, and a queue for registration is beginning to form.

Customs control for a tourist is generally similar to convention, that is, you practically do not notice it - either you have already passed it on the way to your counter, or you will pass it after.

Having received your boarding pass, you and your hand luggage head to the passport control counters. After passing it, you officially leave Russia and find yourself on neutral territory. Now you still have time at your disposal and you can devote it to visiting duty-free shops duty free. All shops after passport control are duty free, since they are not located in Russia. Payment for goods is accepted in dollars and euros. During the flight you will also be offered duty free goods on the plane.

As departure time approaches, you need to proceed to your Exit/Gate. Before entering the lounge, you will be required to undergo a search of your personal luggage and go through metal detectors. In the waiting room, you wait for the boarding announcement and proceed along with all the passengers to board, showing the airport staff your passport (if required) and boarding pass along the way - this is mandatory.

Flight

On the plane you will be offered drinks, lunch and duty free goods.

Arrival

Upon arrival, you will have to go through all the procedures in reverse order.

Passport and customs control

If you have a visa, you simply go through control. Be prepared to present your settlement voucher and other documents to the border guards upon request.

If you've arrived in a country (such as Turkey or Egypt) that requires you to buy a visa stamp, this is the first thing you should do upon arrival. It is better to prepare the required amount (in dollars or euros) in advance without change.

Having purchased a stamp, you must stick it on any blank page of your passport. It is also often necessary to fill out an immigration card. In it you need to enter in Latin letters the details of your passport, as well as the city and hotel where you will be staying.

Then, having prepared all these papers - a passport with a stuck-on visa and an immigration card, proceed to the passport control counters. The border guard stamps your entry into the country and you also pass through the customs control zone unnoticed.

Baggage

You go to the baggage claim area, wait until your luggage is unloaded from the plane and it appears on the conveyor belt. After receiving your luggage, an employee of the receiving party will be waiting for you when leaving the airport. As a rule, he holds a sign with the name of your tour operator (the same as at the airport when receiving documents). He registers you on his list and directs you to the shuttle bus that will take you to your hotel. While the welcoming guide collects all his tourists at the exit from the airport and until the bus departs, another hour usually passes, after which you safely arrive at your hotel.

Check in hotel

Upon transfer to the hotel, the guide briefs tourists in detail about their stay in the country, gives initial instructions and schedules an introductory meeting for the next day at your (or a nearby) hotel.

The guide may be present upon check-in, or may leave you at the hotel reception with all the documents. There are more and more cases where reception staff understand Russian (and they definitely understand English). You give the receptionist your passport and check-in voucher, after which, after a series of formalities, he gives you the key (or card) to your room. However, your passport may be taken away until tomorrow - this is absolutely normal. The guide on the bus will instruct you in detail about the check-in procedure and hotel services.

After checking into your room, you will have to explore the hotel grounds on your own and find a restaurant that serves food appropriate for the time of day. At an introductory meeting with a guide, which is scheduled upon transfer to the hotel, you will learn about living in the country, your options, how to call a doctor, how shops work, you will be offered excursion program, and most importantly, you will learn about the procedure for leaving the hotel.

Check out from the hotel

All hotels have a certain time by which you must vacate your room on the day of departure, regardless of what time you actually leave the hotel. Having packed your things, you either yourself or with the help of a porter take them to a special room in the hotel lobby, return the room key to the reception, pay (if necessary) the bill for using paid hotel services, and for the rest of the time until the return transfer you can use all services hotel and meals according to your tour.

At the time determined by the guide, a transfer bus will come for you, which will take you to the airport, where you will go through all the formalities in the same way and begin your return journey.

We all do something for the first time sometime. When you do something for the first time, you are very afraid or not even afraid, but are internally tense because you will have to experience something new. So it is with traveling abroad for the first time. Before my first trip abroad, I was very worried and asked a lot of questions to those who had already been there. And I think this is correct. If you are planning to travel abroad for the first time and you have questions, we will try to help you.

What's better? Buy a tour from a tour operator or go wild?

You've probably often heard from friends and acquaintances that it's cheaper to go abroad as a savage. Is it true? We would like to note that if you are traveling abroad for the first time, it is better to buy a tour from a tour operator. At least you will see with your own eyes what it’s like abroad. And then decide whether to go wild or through a tour operator.

Which is cheaper? Should I buy a tour from a tour operator or go on my own? It all depends on the direction and time of your trip. Sometimes it is much cheaper to go through a tour operator, sometimes to travel on your own. In any case, you can compare two travel options and choose the most inexpensive option.

If you buy a tour from a tour operator, then everything will be organized for you. They pay for your hotel, plane and provide a transfer (take you from the airport to the hotel and back). Also, a representative of the tour operator is on call 24/7 and can come to you at any time. If you are traveling as a wild person, then you book a hotel yourself, pay for the plane and get to the hotel. And no one is responsible for you! Also keep in mind that you may have problems with air tickets. The plane may be canceled or there will be no tickets. And you will have to solve this problem yourself. In addition, the tour operator insures you, which is especially important if you are traveling to an exotic country where you can “catch an infection.”

Travel alone or with someone?

On my second trip abroad, I was tormented by the question of whether I should go alone or not. What to say? Feel free to travel to Europe alone. To Egypt, Turkey, UAU, countries South-East Asia It's better to go together.

Traveling alone has its advantages. No one will bother you to discover the country. You can go wherever you want and do what you want. By the way, many Russians go to European resorts alone, and you can find a couple for your vacation there.

Questions about air travel

If you cannot fly on an airplane, or you are pregnant, then it is better not to risk it. After all, flying on an airplane is a strain on all body systems. And it is not clear how your body will behave. If you have a problem with motion sickness in transport, then be sure to buy special tablets for motion sickness; any pharmacy will tell you them. In addition, on vacation you may have boat trips where you will need the tablets.

Wear it on the plane comfortable clothes and shoes. Take a warm jacket with you; airplanes can often get cold. Buy yourself a neck pillow. Also remember that you cannot bring piercing or cutting objects, water bottles, or glass objects on the plane. Therefore, leave all cosmetic bags (applies to ladies) in the bag that you check in as luggage.

Take it for fun interesting books or a tablet to watch your favorite movies. Also, take a small backpack or bag with you on the plane, where you put the necessary medications and documents.

Also know that after checking documents and customs, you will be taken to a special area where there are duty-free shops and cafes. Here you can drink tea or coffee, buy alcohol, perfumes and other things inexpensively.

Do you need to know the language?

One of the most common questions among those who travel abroad for the first time is whether you need to know the language of the country you are going to or English?

If you plan to travel constantly, then it is worth learning English at a conversational level. In all countries, people who are associated with the tourism industry know English and speak it. Therefore, learn English if you want to travel around the world.

For those who buy tours to Turkey, Egypt, Spain and Greece, Thailand, we hasten to assure you that it is not necessary to know English. Basically, employees of hotels, travel agencies and the entertainment industry can speak a little Russian. And in many cafes and restaurants you will find menus in Russian.

In OJSC, on Canary Islands, in Southeast Asia and other countries less popular with tourists, it is mandatory to know English. Otherwise, you will not be able to eat “normally” and navigate the area. Of course, our tourists often travel to these countries without knowing English, but it’s still better to explain yourself a little.

For example, if you want to travel around a country other than tourist routes If you are a savage, then be sure to learn English!

Do you need to know the language of the country you are traveling to? If you are traveling to an exotic country where the tourism industry is poorly developed, then yes, be sure to study. If you are traveling to a country where local residents They feed themselves on “tourism”, then you can learn conversational phrases, they won't interfere. And, perhaps, knowing the language of the country will help you discover it from the other side.

By the way, you can learn a travel language on your own using video courses. We recommend the video course “Express English course for travelers (3 hours of video).

Basics of safety abroad

If you are traveling abroad for the first time, pay attention to safety issues. Firstly, be sure to read information about the country you are traveling to. On the tour operator’s website for each country where tours are available, there is a memo that tells about the basic laws and customs that will provide you safe holiday. You can ask a travel agency employee to print out such a memo for you. And of course, do not go to areas where foreigners are not recommended to be. Strictly follow all tour operator safety recommendations!

As soon as you check into the hotel, be sure to rent a safe. It usually doesn't cost much. Store documents, phones, money and valuables in the safe. Every hotel has safes.

If you plan to actively travel around the country, then buy yourself a tourist backpack with secret pockets where you can put all your valuables. And don't leave this backpack unattended! In general, even if you are going to “lie” on the beach, then take a backpack. It’s easier to take things out of a bag or out of your hands. As you already understand, keep an eye on your belongings when abroad!

Are you going on holiday to an exotic country? Excursion tours buy from tour operators. Still, they provide guarantees of your safety. When purchasing tours from “leftist” agencies, there is a risk of suffering financially and causing harm to health.

And remember that all insurance is canceled if something happens to you while intoxicated. You will pay for all treatment and so on, and all these services abroad are quite expensive. So don't drink too much! In addition, while intoxicated, you can lose money and documents.

Take on your trip abroad the medications that you personally need, including for the treatment of the stomach, intestines, anti-inflammatory drugs and for colds and fever. Often, due to changes in climate and cuisine, tourists develop a fever or have intestinal problems. This is called acclimatization. Or, due to ignorance of the kitchen, you may simply eat something that will upset your digestion. So get ready!

Money

Another question that tourists who go abroad for the first time ask is what to do with money. First, ask your friends who have already been to this country about how much money they spent on the trip, or read reviews of tourists on the Internet.

Literally plan out all your travel expenses. Determine your budget and emergency reserves. Exchange this amount of money in Russia. And when traveling, strictly follow your budget. You can take with you and bank card. But what if you can’t withdraw money abroad?

As we noted earlier, it is better to keep your money in a hotel safe. Carry small amounts of money with you. Firstly, you will spend less on various little things, and secondly, in the event of theft, loss of money from a backpack or clothes, the money will remain in your hotel safe.

And we also note that do not be afraid and feel free to go abroad for the first time. The same people live there as in Russia. If you follow their rules and respect them, everything will be fine. And you will discover another world for yourself. And never let your guard down!

It is possible that you have more questions, but before my trip abroad for the first time, I was interested in all of this. And after my first trip, this is how I answered my questions.

You have in your hands plane tickets to another country, but you have never flown or even left the territory of your own. native land? Your head is spinning, your hands don’t understand what to grab? Calm down, you are not the first to fly abroad for the first time. You can close the bulk of the questions raging in your head. I will share my personal experience.

A few months ago I was lucky enough - for the first time in my 25 years of life - to fly abroad for the first time. Alone, without knowledge of English and without travel experience. Yes, this also happens. This experience was not just interesting. But I think that the details of my experiences should be omitted here, and I will share tips collected from all the travelers I know that a beginner should take into account.

Baggage. Weight and quantity

Let's start with where to start. First of all, you need to find out (if you didn’t find out when buying a ticket or voucher) what weight hand luggage and baggage accepted by your airline for carriage. Although no, this is secondary. First of all, you need to know what happens main luggage(unless you bought a budget ticket where only hand luggage is allowed), which you check in at check-in at the airport, and hand luggage, which you take with you to the salon.

The average weight of main luggage varies within 20 kg per person, hand luggage - about 5 kg (sometimes 7-10 kg, but it’s better not to risk it). Some carriers allow you to take only one bag/suitcase/backpack in your hand luggage. In this case, the camera on your neck is already considered a second item for which you will have to pay extra for transportation, even if the total weight of two items is included in the established limit for hand luggage. Therefore, it is better to find out everything in advance so as not to look for a way out of a difficult situation later.

Short: There are two types of luggage - the main one, which is checked in luggage compartment airplane (weighing about 20 kg) and hand luggage that you take with you on the plane (weighing about 5 kg).

Hand luggage. What you are prohibited from taking with you

Deodorants and other gas-forming substances are not allowed in hand luggage. cans, gels, cosmetics(mascara, gloss, etc.), medications(if there is an urgent need for this, then a prescription and an extract from a doctor are needed), any liquids volume more than 100 ml. That is, water, perfume, and in some cases creams may be asked to be transferred to the main luggage or left altogether. Therefore, it is better to immediately pack such things in a suitcase.

Also, under no circumstances should you take manicure kits (and especially sewing kits) into your hand luggage. scissors, sharp files and in general everything that can be used as a weapon in one way or another. Well, of course, it is forbidden to take compact folding knives And weapon.

By the way, if your keys quite sharp, it’s better to immediately put them in your suitcase. Personally, they didn’t try to take my keys away, but there were cases. Think about this when you close on your apartment or house. Airport inspectors in those countries where the likelihood of terrorist attacks and assassinations is high may pay special attention to such items. People and their luggage are checked there especially carefully. This is worth considering. (In my case, the super-rigid security check at the airport in Egypt really threw me off balance and made me nervous.)

Sometimes it is not allowed to take in hand luggage scotch And cling film. Again, this is mine personal experience. In Ukraine and Turkey they let this pass, but in Egypt they took it away.

Doubts may be raised by autonomous charging device(power bank), autonomous speakers. In Egypt, we were detained because a square stand-alone speaker seemed suspicious until I showed that it played music. In your main luggage, such an item will cause no less suspicion. Therefore, decide whether you really need this thing in another country or whether headphones will be enough.

Short: In hand luggage, it is prohibited to carry weapons, sharp cutting and piercing objects (needles, corkscrews, knives), tape, cling film, water, any gel-, gas-, cream- or water-like liquid with a volume of more than 100 ml (allowed maximum 5 containers of 100 ml).

If you are flying abroad for the first time, then you definitely take with you money, passport, phone, Maybe, camera and laptop. All this should be packed in hand luggage, because... for the perfect safety and “unbrokenness” of your things in luggage compartment on the plane (and at the airport too) no one answers.

Also, if you take with you any fragile items(but oversized), it is better to carry them in hand luggage. Including jewelry, valuable items, medical certificates and extracts.

If your trip is business, important and valuable paper Of course, it is also recommended to pack it in hand luggage.

Even if you are flying on vacation, you should have vouchers for transfer to the hotel and check-in at the hotel. You should definitely take them with you so as not to look for them in your luggage.

Also, if the flight is long (and it can be considered long from two hours, especially for the first time), then it’s worth taking some products to satisfy your hunger (you can buy something edible even after passing control). It is advisable that your supplies do not have too strong a smell - people will be sitting next to you, and the windows on the plane will not open. And it’s better to stick to snacks that you’ve tried and tested that will satisfy your hunger but won’t lead to digestive problems.

It is worth mentioning separately batteries for cameras. To be honest, I haven’t been able to figure out exactly where I can transport them. The experience that I had says that it is possible both in hand luggage and in checked luggage. Although, according to the experience of friends, in China they were forced to remove batteries from hand luggage. It may be easier to pack the batteries, but they should not touch each other so as not to cause a fire or explosion. Since I wasn’t 100% sure what to do, I packed one set in my main luggage and took the second one with me (in the camera itself). I decided that in this case they wouldn’t take everything away :) In the end, both sets remained intact. But if I got to the airport in Egypt with them, then most likely they would be confiscated from my hand luggage. Therefore, it is worth further consulting how things stand with this issue at the airports of the country where you are flying.

Also, for convenience, especially if you are flying at night, an inflatable pillow. This is a great way to sleep alone, rather than falling asleep on the shoulder of a stranger.

There are times (more often when these are connecting flights) when your main baggage gets lost or your flight is late. Don't worry, they will definitely find him in a day or two, and he will arrive to you. But so that this does not become a disaster for you and does not spoil the first days of your stay in new country, take the most necessary things with you in your hand luggage. This could be glasses, a hat, a swimsuit (if you are going to the seaside). Or a clean shirt and sweater if it's a business trip. Such things will not take up much space, but you will be calm.

Short: It is recommended to take with you in your hand luggage valuables and papers (money, passports, documents, phones, medical certificates), vital medications, food, wet wipes, an inflatable pillow, the necessary minimum of essentials (change of underwear, swimsuit, shirt, etc.) .P.).

Packing main luggage

You should not carry perishable food, fragile items or valuables in your main luggage. You have already read the explanations above. That is, checked baggage should not contain everything that is recommended to be carried in hand luggage. It's simple.

It is also prohibited to transport caustic substances that can cause corrosion (mercury, all types of alkalis, etc.), all types of gases in cans, substances and objects that can cause fire (matches, lighters, varnishes, paints, etc. .), and of course, no weapons can be transported. And once upon a time, acquaintances had the opportunity to sit in a chair next to a climber holding an ice ax in his hands. Those were carefree times...

And so you packed your suitcase. Now be sure to weigh it so you don't get a surprise at the airport itself. I’ll say right away that 20 kg is quite a lot; an ordinary girl will have difficulty lifting such a suitcase. This is in case you don't have scales.

If everything is in order with the weight of your luggage, then it’s time to pack the suitcase itself. Some do this at the airport (the service is paid, in November 2016 the cost was 70 UAH at Boryspil airport, terminal D), and some do not do this at all.

My personal opinion is that the suitcase still needs to be wrapped in film. Firstly, this will protect it from the intervention of intruders, and secondly, it will preserve appearance during loading and unloading. For this, regular cling film or the one sold in hardware stores is suitable. One roll of 100 meters will be enough for several trips.

A long roll can be cut in half. This will make it easier to wrap, and you can take the second part with you to pack your suitcase for the return trip. There is just a chance that it will eventually be taken from your hand luggage, but it will still be cheaper than packing a suitcase there.

You can cover the suitcase with colored tape over the film. This will help you avoid tearing the film during transportation and immediately recognize your luggage when receiving it at the airport.

Yes, by the way, when checking into a hotel, it is better to immediately ask for scissors so as not to ruin your beautiful manicure and not get hurt tearing the film by hand.

Short: It is prohibited to pack any items or substances that can explode, ignite, or break into checked baggage. As well as particularly valuable items and papers. Weapons and perishable foods cannot be transported.

• Make sure you pack the essentials for your trip. If it's the sea, then a swimsuit, sunglasses, hat/cap, beach slippers and bag, sunscreen. Due to the fact that I was traveling almost in winter and was already preparing to “hibernate,” I only took a swimsuit. Well, thanks for that.
• If your trip is business and involves evening wear, then make sure you take enough of it. This means with reserve. It's worth taking a couple extra just in case.
• The same goes for shoes. One pair of shoes or sandals may not be enough. Especially when a heel breaks at the most inopportune moment, and the hotel shoemaker has already left. I speak as a victim – it was not the most pleasant situation.
• Also inquire about ironing facilities at the hotel. Will he be there, is this service paid? And if you have a business meeting, keep in mind that you will most likely need to pay between $5 and $20 for ironing. Or (weather permitting) the night before you can thoroughly wet the item, straighten it with your hands and hang it on a hanger. If this is a summer chiffon dress, or a T-shirt that does not require strict “smoothness,” then this option will help you save a little. If the meeting is important, and the outfit must be perfect, you should ask for help. Or you can take a travel iron with you if you have one. Great option.
• If you are traveling to hot countries, take hair protection products with you. This is especially true for girls with braids. The hot sun burns your hair quite strongly, after which you remember another couple of months of rest “not with an angry, quiet word.”
• To prevent mosquitoes, flies and other insects from ruining your trip, stock up on protective equipment. On my trip there were many different “flying” things on the beach - I saved myself with spray from mosquitoes and insects.
• Be sure to pack a first aid kit (it should be packed in your main luggage). First of all, focus on your weak points. But the following list can serve as a basis:
  • pain reliever (be sure to look at the contraindications, because my bitter experience shows that it is better to buy the drug at a higher price than to hide in the shade for the entire vacation due to the drug’s reaction to the sun);
  • a remedy for diarrhea (even if you don’t eat anything “like that”, it could just be acclimatization, so it’s better to protect yourself);
  • sorbent (activated carbon, sorbex, white carbon - at your discretion);
  • a remedy for allergies (to food, to water, to the sun, to insects);
  • heart medications (weather changes and changes in climate zone can affect your well-being);
  • cotton wool or cotton sponges;
  • patch;
  • bandage;
  • hygiene products.
• Before leaving home, double-check your plane tickets, hotel vouchers, and travel insurance (you should have purchased it when purchasing your travel package).
• It would also be a good idea to take money with you in cash, which will be an emergency reserve and in case of force majeure will help you get home or pay for the necessary assistance. Usually they remain unclaimed, but it is always better when there is a “safety cushion”.

And most importantly, have a good mood and free memory on your gadgets, because new discoveries are ahead of you!

Have a good flight (by the way, you shouldn’t drink alcohol before the flight - it still won’t relieve anxiety, but it will spoil your well-being).

I think more experienced travelers can add much better advice to this list of tips for those traveling abroad for the first time, so I suggest sharing life hacks in the comments.

Alina Derkach

Sooner or later, every person asks the question: “ Where to go abroad for the first time? And, usually, in such cases there are a lot of possible answers. Neighbors advise Egypt or Turkey, experienced traveler friends send to Europe, Google recommends visa-free countries, and it’s possible that your heart has long been yearning for a distant island Tahiti.
Let's figure out what to do correctly and where to go abroad for the first time.

WHERE IS IT BETTER TO GO?

First, forget everything that was told to you before. For now, all the information means nothing to you, and you won’t be able to put it into action right away. Let's start with a clear picture in our head, leaving only the knowledge gained in geography lessons. Well, or take a globe, if your memories of the location of the continents are not entirely fresh. Although Yandex or Google is better, because these are the number one tools in travel planning.

FIRST TIME ABROAD. SEASON/OFF SEASON

We need to find out where it is in season and out of season. this moment. And if you think that when it’s winter in Russia, it’s winter everywhere, even without snow. Then, I’ll probably surprise you by saying that somewhere on the planet it’s summer now. And yes, the residents of these countries just say: “Oh, this beautiful summer month of February. If only the weather would stay a little longer, otherwise autumn will soon come.” Exactly. So in winter, summer is good. I'm talking about now South America , or for example, Mauritius. You need to go there from November to April. But it’s much worse to find yourself in our summer during the rainy season somewhere in the Philippines. And moreover, in Asia, in the same country, some islands may have a season, but others may not have a season. For example, in the summer there are waves on the sea and rain outside the window, but Samui has beautiful weather.

So, let me sum it up. Your first task on the way to a foreign country is to find out what the weather is like and where it’s better not to go, because there is a risk: freezing or spending the entire vacation in rubber boots and a raincoat. Do you need this for the first time? I think so too. Travel, travel, and then go extreme.

WHAT WEATHER DO YOU PREFER?

Next we continue to determine the climatic conditions. You must decide for yourself what you need. Descend from the snowy peaks on a snowboard or get a diver certificate in some clear sea with beautiful fish. In general, everything is simple here. WARM or COLD?

As you already understand from my travels, I am always for warmth.

DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?

Then we find out knowledge of foreign languages. Take the test and place yourself in one of three categories. First level: I can say and understand everything and have a heart-to-heart talk with a taxi driver about politics. Oh yes, taxi drivers love this kind of talk. So you can go anywhere. If we are talking about English. even in the most remote country in the world, there will be a person who speaks it.
Second level: I understand, I understand, I can say a little. You better choose popular ones tourist countries. Such as Thailand, Tunisia, Dominican Republic, etc.
And the third level is when all you can say is ay don understand. By the way, I also say that sometimes, it’s a great way to quickly get rid of annoying people. So, your routes are buying a tour with a guide, a hotel and a tour guide in Russian. Well, sorry. And watch my video about learning English.

ABROAD IN PICTURES

The fourth point is pictures. Yes Yes. I think that the circle of countries has already been drawn and now is the time to look at pictures from there. It’s true that Google Images is a scam. The seas there are always turquoise, the sand is clean and white, and people on vacation in one country or another are super happy. Even India is so presentable there. And everything is such a lie. I recommend just typing “Istanbul (any other country) reviews.” And honor real people. Immediately, the impressions will be formed, and the photographs will be similar to reality.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TAKE A VACATION ABROAD FOR THE FIRST TIME?

Now about the cost. Do you think we should have started with this right away? Why, without having yet had time to properly dream about it all, and end it all? After spending a lot of time in virtual travel By different countries, when you already imagine yourself at the airport check-in counter for the Moscow-Fiji flight, it’s time to look at expedia.com and return to harsh reality.

All trips can be divided by cost. The most inexpensive and popular: Egypt, Türkiye, Thailand, Goa, Tunisia. Then: Asia, most often only independent, including Sri Lanka. Then Morocco, Europe, Dubai (I mean normal Dubai, and not an overnight stay in a 2-star hotel, which you won’t immediately find in the Hindu quarter). Further, the popular Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica and the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius. Then everyone goes to South and Latin America, to Africa on safari. Well and then everyone is beautiful Paradise islands, Polynesia, Micronesia, some even reach Australia.

All these divisions are, of course, conditional. But in general everything is like that. Don't even expect to vacation in Mexico at the price of Malaysia. For example, in the Caribbean good hotels start from $200 per night, and in Asia from $50. Calculate how much you are willing to spend on vacation and then look for promotions from airlines in this direction or a promotional code for hotel bookings. If you want to surrender to a tour operator, then take a look. This season they appear as much as a month before departure. Strange, right?

ABOUT PREJUDICES.

If they tell you that for the first time you need to go to simple countries, such as all-inclusive in Turkey, then do not listen to them. For the first time, you can go anywhere. I flew to GOA first time abroad, my girlfriend has been to 30 countries and has not yet been to Egypt and Turkey. Then, do not listen to the imposed opinions of others. If someone says that this country is just a bomb, don’t religiously believe it. There is Google, read reviews, look at photos, videos and draw your own conclusions. Otherwise, you will curse your friend throughout the trip for recommending something that seems completely different to you, and if you had known, you would not have gone.

One last thing on this topic regarding budgeting. On your first vacation, you can spend as much money as you can. Don’t attribute this to the fact that this is your first vacation, don’t look at others, decide for yourself what class to fly and how many stars of a hotel to choose. Just enjoy your vacation.

RESULTS. SO WHERE TO GO ABROAD FOR THE FIRST TIME?

Now forget everything I told you. And in fact, all you need to plan your first trip abroad is brains, desire and money. Go where you want, do what you want and spend as much as you want. This is your life and after the trip - these will be your memories, and they should be bright and belong only to you.

Travel brighter and more often!